Shongwe, who has extensive experience in Corporate South Africa, comes in to manage one of the most successful sport and business brands in South Africa. The native of Swaziland carries a portfolio that boasts lengthy services in the Sol Kerzner Dynasty, and the Primedia stable, just to mention a few. He has also sat on the Executive Boards of various companies including that of Kaizer Chiefs.

The holder of a Masters qualification in the field of Commerce and Finance, Bheki Shongwe is no novice in football having played in Swaziland and Botswana under the tutelage of Zero Johnson in the latter country before finding his footing in South Africa as both a player and a worker in as many companies.

Speaking to kaizerchiefs.com, Bheki Shongwe expressed a passion for serving millions of supporters; a constituency that he believes is the most important stakeholder responsible for the growth and sustainability of the brand. “I regard our supporters as a humble and self-sacrificing community of uninhibited men, women and children who have always stood through trials and triumphs to contribute immensely towards the development of this extraordinary brand.

Serving them is therefore an honour and a responsibility that cannot be trivialized but attempted with the utmost of commitment and passion’, he said.

He further added that his vision was to re-energize and position the Kaizer Chiefs brand as an agent of social change so that people perceive it beyond the realms of football. “I am determined to strengthen and deepen the Kaizer Chiefs brand to further touch the lives of citizens as a befitting tribute to its original founders that preached messages of love and peace”.

The founder Kaizer Motaung, assumes the Executive Chairman role to oversee the sustainability of a dream that he lived and cherished for almost forty years of its existence. In his welcome address to his successor, Kaizer Motaung expressed excitement of introducing Mr. Shongwe to the Kaizer Chiefs family and assured him of the impending challenge to continue with the successes of the Club.

“Welcome to the family, he said; Your experience and dedication to the Club from your role as a member of the Board gives me confidence that Kaizer Chiefs will be steered by a mind beaming with fresh ideas and a renewed focus that will consolidate the brand’s influence in matters of football both locally and internationally. With the changing business and administrative landscape within football, I do not doubt your capabilities and tenacity to pursue the dream. I assure you of my support and hope that you enjoy the support of your new colleagues to retain Kaizer Chiefs as South Africa’s most successful football brand.”

The entire Management and staff welcome him in his new role.